Author(s)

Manda Karunakar Reddy, Mareddy Sumathi

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Scientist, NEERI Zonal Laboratory, Hyderabad.

The aerodynamic diameter of an air borne particle is the key property in determining its respiratory deposition. The study aim to assess PM_2.5 level and its size distribution at 5 traffic junctions located along the lateral highway connected to NH-202. A cascade impactor has been used to measure the size function range of PM_2.5 apart from PM₁₀ of atmospheric dust particles in air being PM_2.5 is concern with respect to effect on human health and is able to tend deeply into the respiratory tract reaching the lungs. It is observed that weight % of PM_2.5 values are in the range of 40% - 60% of PM₁₀ and few values of PM_2.5 are exceeding the standards prescribed by CPCB. It is concluded that free flow of traffic is main concern and maintenance of road should be carried out during low traffic hours.

PM_2.5, Air Borne Particle, Traffic, Respirable Dust, Particle Size

M. Reddy and M. Sumathi, "Air Quality Status of Respirable Particulate Levels at Selected Traffic Junctions along the Section of Lateral Highway in Hyderabad," Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol. 2 No. 5, 2011, pp. 662-667. doi: 10.4236/jep.2011.25076.